A Portland State University team of masters students, known as Celilo Planning Studio, has received a national award from the American Planning Association for its work in Cascade Locks.

The group's Student Project Awards for 2013, which are given to three student groups throughout the country, recognize community planning projects that are innovative and transferable to other communities.

Celilo Planning Studio earned an award for “implementation of the planning process."
The PSU project, called "Connect Cascade Locks: a Recreational Trails Plan for Economic Development," was conducted between January and June of 2012 for the Port of Cascade Locks.

The purpose of the plan was to develop a community driven concept for a regionally integrated trail network and a thriving trail-oriented business base in Cascade Locks. The students conducted a trail user and community survey, and held local workshops and an open house.

The final plan makes recommendations for trail and business amenities and trail stewardship. It has been adopted by the city's Planning Commission, the City Council, and the local Tourism Committee.

The town of 1,100 has been working to establish a new world class sailing beach, is planning for the September opening of a multi-use trail connection to Portland (via the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail) and completing a Frisbee golf course. Local events include mountain bike and cyclocross races and Pacific Crest Trail Days.

Knowing that trail users will head for a local watering hole after a hard day’s play outside, a local pub has launched an expanded menu and hours under new ownership, and a new brewing company is looking to establish roots in town this summer.

Residents and local leaders hope that this new focus on trail-based economic development will help the community create jobs and earn a reputation as an outdoor recreation destination in the Gorge.

Celilo Planning Studio team member Sara Morrissey, Sarah Bronstein, Michael Ahillen, Ellen Dorsey, Chloe Ritter and Danielle Fuchs, will be recognized for their work at the Annual American Planning Association Conference in Chicago in April.